I always follow the rule of starting my day with something healthy. The reason? Whatever you consume on an empty stomach in the morning, gets absorbed the most in your body; so if you eat anything unhealthy, it too will be absorbed by the body to the maximum and hence the ill effects. if you are a coffee or tea fan, you certainly need to give it a miss and get adapted to drinking something healthy! Here are the top healthy morning drinks:
SPICE CHAI
This Indian tea is rich in antioxidants and contains a plethora of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper and ginger that is sure to awaken your senses in the morning. The smooth creamy flavour actually makes you feel like you are sipping a cup of coffee, but without all the extra caffeine. Spice chai tea recipe >>
BANANA GINGER SMOOTHIE
Soothe digestion, heartburn, nausea, and other stomach trouble with the fresh ginger in this natural remedy smoothie recipe. You need 1 banana, sliced, ¾ c (6 oz) vanilla yogurt, 1 Tbsp honey and ½ tsp freshly grated ginger. Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. You may also add ice cubes to the blender for a fresh chilled morning smoothie.
PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
Who doesn’t enjoy a yummy protein smoothie? It’s a terrific way to load up with energy and nutrition. Use almond, soy or coconut milks and your choice of a good quality protein powder. Throw in some bananas and berries, which add heaps of extra minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that are sure to fill you up and get you going for the gruelling day ahead.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is the best drink to have in the morning! It contains a rich concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural antioxidants that may protect cells from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and inhibit tumour growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. The tea’s antioxidants may also guard against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. Green tea also contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth! 10 amazing green tea recipes for health and beauty >>
TOMATO JUICE
May protect against numerous cancers. Tomato juice is the richest source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been associated with a reduced risk of lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, oesophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage, helping to ward off cardiovascular disease.
LEMON JUICE IN HOT WATER
This is something I always prefer when I am out of green tea or when I don’t have time to prepare green tea. Simply warm the water and add juice of 1 lemon and keep sipping the hot sour drink! It not only cleanses your stomach, but also prevents acne and other stomach problems. It instantly detoxes and lets you pass the entire toxin from the stools. Detox water recipes >>
FRESH VEGETABLE AND FRUIT JUICES
Get your blender out and throw in some spinach or kale with apples, carrots, grapes and whatever else you want! the more colours, the better- and blend away. This juice will be packed to the brim with all sorts of vitamins and minerals that will boost your energy and metabolism, helping you detoxify while promoting healthy glow for your skin.
MINT TEA
This tea eases cramps and helps ward off indigestion. Mint is an antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles, which combats stiffness and aches. It also aids in digestion by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract. Mint tea recipe >>
COCONUT WATER
Whenever I am late for work, I get hold of coconut water near my office! Coconut water is loaded with essential minerals and nutrition that is anytime better than plain water! Plus point? You feel hydrated throughout the day and ‘malai’ gives you the much needed fibre.